AMC Networks, the James Dolan-run company behind cable brands like AMC, IFC and Sundance TV, as well as streaming services like AMC+, Acorn TV and Shudder, has appointed Kristin Dolan as Director. its new executive. Kristin is the wife of James Dolan, and executive successor to Christina Spade, who briefly held a leadership role at AMC last year.
Kristin Dolan said: “It is an honor to join a company with a long history of capturing audiences with excellent storytelling and world-class brands. “That’s also where I started my career in the industry. I look forward to bringing my rich experience — through programming, cable TV operations, and most recently using data to reimagine TV commercials — to leverage the strong assets of AMC Networks, drive the company’s next phase of growth and build shareholder value over the next year.”
Eventually, Kristin Dolan founded and runs audience measurement and data analytics company 605. The CEO has served as a member of the AMC Networks board of directors as well as on the board of directors of a company. run by James Dolan, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., since 2011. Prior to that, she spent nearly two decades at Cablevision, including as chief executive officer.
James Dolan said of his wife’s appointment to the role, “With her considerable experience and knowledge of the company, Kristin is the ideal person to lead AMC Networks into the next chapter as we move forward. navigate this transition in the industry.”
On November 29, the company made the surprise announcement that Spade “retired from his role” without giving details as to why. The news came as a shock as she had only been in the top-level role since September 9. Later that day, James Dolan sent a memo to employees, forecasting “a wave of layoffs. large scale as well as cutting all areas of operation.” He explained: “We believe the loss due to the cord cuts will be offset by the gains in streaming. This has not been the case.” Reports estimate that up to 20% of employees may experience job cuts.
Spade previously served as CFO of AMC Networks from 2021 and was later added to the title of chief executive officer. Prior to that, she held senior roles at ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global), CBS Corp. and Showtime. In August, the media company revealed she was the successor to Interim CEO Matt Blank, the former CEO of Showtime Networks. Blank has replaced longtime boss Josh Sapan, who announced his change of role as executive vice president in August 2021 after 26 years at the helm.
Spade’s employment agreement is set to be valid until the end of 2025. A source recently said hollywood reporter that Dolan was worried about the state of the media and entertainment business and ended up having some disagreements with Spade and stepped in.
AMC Networks is often seen as a takeover target by entertainment or tech giants, because of its relative lack of scale, while management argues that the company is doing well to focus on streaming services. appropriate route, often emphasizing the benefits of going it alone as the company is more focused.
Alex Weprin contributed to this report.
